Opinion: New Jersey offers excellent community options for senior citizens

Martin Griff/The TimesBob Sauer of Meals on Wheels of Trenton/Ewing makes a delivery to Fannie Herron at Herron's Ewing apartment on Friday, July 6, 2012. Pending legislation would create a pilot "naturally occurring retirement community" program in areas of Mercer County where more than half of the residents are 60 or older.

By Lowell Arye

This month, I had the pleasure of visiting several places that underscore the importance of community living for our state’s senior citizens. Gone are the stereotypes of a frail, elderly population. That perspective has been replaced by a scene of vibrant individuals availing themselves of programs and activities that showcase their talents, their pastimes and their desire to remain vital as they age.

At the Meadow Lake Retirement Center in East Windsor, Mercer County hosted an exhibit of original works of art painted, molded and crafted by senior citizens. The skill it displayed was as professional and as exceptional as we would find in a New York City gallery. I could feel the thrill of these artists, some in their 90s, as they enjoyed acclaim for abilities they’ve nurtured throughout their lives.

And in Piscataway, at the Francis E. Parker Memorial Home Pavilion, senior citizens with medical and cognitive challenges attend day programs. On the day I toured, they were entertained with a Luau luncheon. This organization also operates assisted living “neighborhoods” and provides educational programs on health and wellness to the local community. It runs a child care center and involves the enrolled children in many of the senior activities. This intergenerational programming infuses an energy and purpose into the senior citizens’ schedules and provides a sense of fulfillment for everyone involved.

Later this month, I’m scheduled to attend an assistive device demonstration in Brick Township. There, senior citizens will learn to use various tools to become computer literate. A recent Pew Research study indicates that more than half of adults age 65 and older are using the internet and that one in three of them is using social networking sites such as Facebook. Savvy senior citizens know that the future involves technology, and they don’t want to be left behind.

Last month, senior services were transferred from the Department of Health to the Department of Human Services. We’re excited to be a part of the expansion of community-based programs and services that serve this population. To learn more, go to adrcnj.org or call 1-877-222-3737.

Lowell Arye is deputy commissioner for the Department of Human Services. He oversees the Division of Aging Services and the Division of Family Development.